Russian President Vladimir Putin apologized for the plane crash in Russian air space on Christmas Day that left 38 people dead in a statement that said Russia was targeting Ukrainian drones over the plane’s planned destination at the time, but stopped short of taking responsibility.

Azerbaijan demands compensation from Russia after a passenger plane crash, citing external damage and a mistaken shootdown.

"We can clearly say today that the plane was shot down by Russia," President Ilham Aliyev said in a televised statement